The sensitivity and specificity of GP73, AFP, and GP73 + AFP for diagnosing HCC are presented using forest plots in Figs 2–4, and the results show significant heterogeneity (sensitivity: I2 = 83.4%, 96.7%, and 81.3% for GP73, AFP and GP73 + AFP, respectively; specificity: I2 = 98.8%, 96.9%, and 86.2% for GP73, AFP, and GP73 + AFP, respectively). Here, GOLM1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.